Dogs Are People Too. . . Almost!

You know them. They're the family with fifteen dogs that all the neighbors hate. Their dogs run all over the neighborhood and are largely responsible for the local canine population explosion. When neighbors aren't at their door complaining about the little reminders left behind by the annoying pets, the animal control people are making a warning stop or pick-up. It's the terror of irresponsible dog...

Continue Reading

Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health -- Foods that Fido should Avoid

Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations. . . So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course. The ASPCA never mentions Magoo's fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of...

Continue Reading

A Fundamental Dog Training Concept You Must Understand For Success With Your Dog

I moved into a new house about 14 days ago. The funny thing about this house is that—when you walk into the master bathroom, the light switch is on the left side, opposite of where the sink is. Well, practically every other house I’ve ever lived in has always had the light switch on the right side—or at least on the same side as the sink. And I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if EVERY SINGLE TIME I’ve walked into that bathroom, my hand doesn’t instinctively reach to the right to turn the light switch on. Even after 14 days, my prior conditioning has been so engrained that when I consciously try to remember...

Continue Reading

Uses for Dog Crates

If you own dogs, chances are you've either used or considered using dog crates for puppy training. Or you've planned a trip and wanted to take your best friend along and thought about them as pet carriers. But while puppy training and animal transport are important considerations, dog crates serve another purpose that might be even more important for your pet's quality of life - a safe den. Dog crates offer an enclosed space that canines naturally crave. Millions of years of evolution have instilled this desire. That being the case, it's very important while puppy training that you teach your...

Continue Reading